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Measuring School Climate

Research proves that a positive school climate directly impacts telling indicators for success such as increased teacher retention, lower dropout rates, decreased incidences of violence, and higher student achievement. Measuring your school's climate is a critical first step in promoting long-term success for all students.

What is the CSCI?

The Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI) is a research-based needs assessment that provides immediate feedback on how students, parents, and school personnel perceive your school's particular climate for learning. Vetted by the National School Climate Council, a core group of practice and policy leaders, the CSCI is considered to be one of the top school climate surveys in the field.

The CSCI is a scientifically-based set of measures that provides a comprehensive picture of a range of school climate dimensions, from students, staff and parents. It is web-based and user-friendly and
the best school climate measure on the scene today.
Marvin W. Berkowitz, Ph.D. - Sanford N. McDonnell Professor of Character Education; Co-Director, Center for Character and Citizenship, University of Missouri-St. Louis

What is the research behind the CSCI?

Developed by the National School Climate Center in 2002, the CSCI was field tested with schools nationwide at the state, district, and building level. Individual versions were designed for students, school personnel and parents to ensure that the CSCI school climate survey reflects the views of the entire school community. Renowned by educators, researchers, and experts alike, the CSCI has been empirically validated to ensure accuracy and consistency. For more information about the validity and reliability of the CSCI, see here.

Using CSCI data, our research has underscored the important role school climate plays in supporting the quality of school life. In particular, we have found a strong relationship between school climate ratings and school performance:

  • Schools with higher climate ratings also tend to have better test scores and graduation rates.
  • This relationship is even stronger for high poverty schools, which suggests that, especially in very challenging circumstances, a more positive climate can foster better student outcomes.
  • For high schools, stronger graduation rates are even more closely tied to higher climate ratings, pointing to the importance of a supportive school environment for persistence, and ultimate success.

To learn more about how you can measure school climate with the Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI) click here. To learn more about how you can facilitate long-term school climate Improvement click here.